Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), has called on the Federal Government to adopt a nationwide mobilisation strategy similar to the COVID-19 lockdown to tackle terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television on Friday, Buratai stressed that insecurity should not be left solely to the military but addressed as a national emergency requiring collective sacrifice.
He said, “When there are national crises, we need to mobilise everybody, not just the military alone. Look at COVID-19—how much was spent, how much was invested into information, communication, advertisement, palliatives, and preventive measures. The whole nation was locked down because of COVID-19. We can do the same thing. We can lock down this country to make sure that everybody concentrates and deals with this cankerworm of so-called terrorists and bandits.”
Buratai recalled that before leaving office, he had warned that the insurgency could persist if long-term measures were not put in place.
He said, “Just before I left office, and immediately after I was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Benin, I sent a note of warning that this insurgency may last longer. It is not something that you just wish away. We really need to have a long-term plan.”
The former Army Chief also cited past instances of national solidarity, such as collective support during the Maiduguri flood crisis, arguing that a similar approach could bolster the fight against insecurity.
His remarks come amid growing concerns by the National Human Rights Commission, which in its latest report decried worsening violations of the right to life and freedoms. The commission noted that over 50 people were killed in separate attacks this week despite government interventions.
Buratai maintained that beyond military campaigns, citizens must also be mobilised “psychologically, through social media, press, and community support” to overcome what he described as the “so-called terrorists and bandits.”
